I have always loved Chevelle's, and just recently came to a point where I have the money, tools, and garage to find and restore one. My big question is this: everywhere I look, I see the usual $40,000+ mint condition totally restored dreams. I'm the type of person who wants to find one and restore it myself. Is it possible to find something decent without paying $5,000 for a rusted out heap that would have sold for $500 10 years ago?

I'm realistic, and realize that the odds of me finding that gem in a small town for $1000 are slim to none.

Welcome! You'll like this site. Good luck with finding a car to restore. Personally I'd spend $20,000 to $25,000 on a nice car, maintain and modify it as you go. People have a tendancy to under estimate the amount of work and money that goes into restoration. Anyway, good luck with finding a car. There's tons of information on this site.

Hello and welcome Dennis. There is always a slim chance you will find a decent Chevelle for $1,000. But after you spend the next 10 years finiding it, you will look back and say you missed all the fun of actually owning one.:D

Keep in mind, if the person that owns the $1,000. car, has a television or computer or a family member or neighbor with a television or computer, they know approximately what the car is worth. And thanks to Barrett-Jackson and other places that make a spectacle of people spending crazy money, that small town person thinks their $1,000. car that needs a total resto is worth $20,000.

As stated above, if you buy something that is a nice running car, you can do some resto while driving it now. Learn about the cost and time and effort that it takes to do a resto before you spend the money and get in too deep.
Many cars are for sale because of that very reason, and usually sell for less than what's spent.

Good luck.

Welcome to the forum.

The lowest purchased priced (basket case) cars usually turn out to be the most expensive in the lone run. Buy the best car you can afford. If you do find a car this forum will help determine if the asking price is fair market value.

Good luck in your search.

You can still find good deals. Be patient and remember that money talks.

really appreciate all of your imput. i've loved chevelles for years, and not going to give up until i find mine. you can be sure that i will be back to pick your brains when i find one.

Heck, try the free classifieds on here before you go. You never know what you'll find.